Algerie et francophonie: le poids du passe

In: Studia diplomatica: Brussels journal of international relations, Band 53, Heft 3, S. 21-39

Abstract

An examination of how Algeria's history as a colony of France has affected its attitude toward French language use is undertaken, & it is argued that although it is important not to reduce the issue to a simplistic colonizer vs colonized equation, the past weighs too heavily on current issues not to be taken into account. The French & Algerian memories associated with their shared history are reviewed & compared, demonstrating that while France tries to downplay the errors of their past, the colonial relationship has taken on the status of a foundation myth or "memory cult" among the Algerians. It is contended that as a result of the past, Algeria, although one of the largest francophone countries in the world, is largely not integrated with other francophone powers. Algeria's ambivalence toward French is illustrated, noting the country's feelings toward the imposition of France, the view that an emphasis on French discourages solidarity between anglophone & francophone African countries, & an increasing interest in Arabic as an alternative language. D. Weibel